David McCowen

The Countryman and Paceman, which are built on a different underpinnings to the new Cooper hatch, have had a raft of upgrades that improve their value.

On sale now, 2015-model cars have satellite navigation as standard, along with a 6.5-inch display screen with a revised multimedia display. Turbocharged Cooper S models have an additional 5kW of power that takes outputs to 140kW and 240Nm, while diesel and non-turbo motors remain unchanged.

The entry-level two-door Paceman hatch is now $1750 cheaper, while its five-door Countryman sibling has seen a price increase of $50 on the base model.

Mini says the extra equipment is worth $5000, and has increased Countryman prices by an average of $170. The Paceman range is $1550 to $1750 cheaper, bringing it closer into line with the Countryman.

The cars have more insulation to help cut out road noise, a broader choice of styling options inside and out, and new-look instrument dials and ventilation controls.

Mini's chunky models will be under pressure towards the end of the year when a more efficient five-door model based on the new Cooper goes on sale in November.